mitchinam

Howard, Don't mean to dog my point too much, as I agree with your ultimate statement; that fuel surcharge or not its a great value. My point is that the WAY it was implimented was in my view, clumsy and may hurt them a little on the margins. The cruisers perception is, once you have paid in full on a pre determined price including taxes, your done. Imagine you buying a car, signed all the documents, paid the money, drove the car away...only to get a call from the dealer asking for MORE because they had miscalculated the cost. I understand due to the future cost of ship fuel this is not a perfect analogy; it is perfectly legal for the cruise lines to come back for more due to fuel cost, but leaves a bad taste in most folks (and many travel agents) mouth. From a bottom line standpoint; wouldn't immediatly charging 50-70 dollars more per new bookings get the job done just the same in the long run? Mitch

Just talked to a friend who is a TA for a very large Automobile Club agency...the PR has been so bad for them that they are absorbing all the extra cost for those who had already paid in full. While as 'rogue' says the "reality is ...more fair", sometimes perception IS reality, and not only are clients but very large travel agencies VERY unhappy. Not wise to upset those that sell your product for you .This was not handled very deftly, and how does one calculate how much less a client will spend on board; or who decides to try another line, or not cruise at all the next time. Could be penny wise and dollar foolish; but that's just me...I could be wrong.

I am a big Carnival fan; but from a perception basis, doesn't make a lot of sense to me. JUST RAISE THE PRICES OF THE BASIC FARE immediately on all new bookings. Penalizing previously paid in full clients is pretty bad public relations. I lucked out this time...sail in january. Mitch

HEY! Noticed a "Crazies" add in Cruise Travel and thought I'd check it out. A veteran of 13 or 14 cruises and have long been a member of another popular board but thought I'd expand my horizons. Looks good so far! Goin on the Carnival Freedom Jan 12th.... Mitch from Nebraska